As public emerges from lockdown, gov’t urges continued abidance by safety measures

AMMAN — The government's announcement of a plan to address the phases of COVID-19 in Jordan does not mean that the pandemic has ended, and "all must continue to abide by public safety measures", Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh said on Friday.

During an interview with Jordan Television's 60 Minutes programme, Adaileh said that reopening the majority of economic and commercial sectors will increase the burden imposed on state apparatuses to curb the spread of the virus, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The minister noted that citizens have a “great responsibility” in alleviating the burdens on state entities through adhering to procedures issued by the Health Ministry, which aim at preserving public health through the wearing of masks and gloves and the application of physical distancing practices. 

He also warned that the comprehensive curfew may be re-imposed and sectors may be closed again if the Kingdom registers more than 10 local cases over the course of a week, reiterating the importance of committing to public health and safety measures.

Adaileh pointed to the "high commitment" shown by worshippers during the Friday prayer nationwide as revealed by field reports from the Public Security Directorate and the Ministry of Awqaf, expressing hopes that worshippers continue following physical distancing and refraining from large gatherings.

Answering a question on the reopening of airports, the minister said that if Jordan moves to the "low risk" level, it will receive tourists and visitors from countries whose epidemiological levels are similar to that of the Kingdom.

Visitors must conduct a test 72 hours prior to entering Jordan, in addition to submitting to a test upon arrival, in order to forego quarantine. 

The minister noted that JD80,000 in fines were issued against institutions that violated public safety measures over the past three months, which highlights the government's “seriousness” in monitoring economic facilities and sectors.

Also speaking during the programme, Health Minister Saad Jaber said that the Kingdom has reached an “advanced status” in controlling the spread of the virus.

The ministry has delivered medicines to nearly 200,000 citizens to reduce clinic visits, with the aim of easing burdens and reducing the risk of citizens contracting the coronavirus, Jaber said.

The health sector has developed its capabilities in dealing with the pandemic and “has transformed challenges into opportunities”, he said, noting that the ministry aspires to conduct 10,000 tests per day by the end of this month. 

As for public swimming pools, Jaber said that they “do not pose a threat because chlorine kills the virus", noting that public pools are permitted reopen according to health standards.